COLUMN. The current rapid spread of the infection means a step back to distancing and digitization, but it is temporary. Dean Agneta Holmäng hopes and believes that the university soon can continue its return to campus as planned.
The spread of infection suddenly picked up again just before Christmas, and we have new restrictions to deal with. Although the infection situation is very serious, it is now a matter of risk-reducing measures. Teaching and other work can continue on campus, but we will use digitization and distancing to thin out and avoid crowding. As before, it is your immediate superior who decides which activities need to be performed in the workplace.
I am full of admiration for our teachers and students
After these two years that have now gone by covid restrictions, I am full of admiration for our teachers and students. It has been a real marathon. Now that we hopefully soon reach the finish line, it feels tough, but we need to persevere a little longer. I know that both teachers and students are very disappointed that the planned return has been paused, but we still have reason to be optimistic. The Swedish Public Health Agency’s updated scenarios indicate that the spread of infection will continue to increase sharply and reach its peak at the end of January, and hopefully it will decline just as quickly.
From an educational perspective, the new restrictions could not have come at a worse time. During the last weeks of the semester, there are several major examinations. The high pressure on our writing rooms makes it very difficult to adjust quickly. It has then been necessary to be very creative in a short time to try to find ways to sparse on these examination occasions.
Vaccination is the best protection against serious illness
I know that students that now have garduated had wished for a physical graduation ceremony, and my thoughts are with you. To you: thank you for your time at Sahlgrenska Academy! Good luck in the professional life that lies ahead of you!
It’s probably only a matter of time before we all had covid, but vaccination is the best protection against serious illness. Since two weeks ago, everyone over the age of 18 can now book in to take their third jab of vaccine. I have myself taken my three doses, and I encourage all staff and students to do the same.
In mid-March, we will invite you to a General Academy Meeting focusing on postgraduate education and construction. More information and invitation coming soon.
Stay safe,
Agneta Holmäng
